You know that feeling when something just doesn’t sit right in your gut (no pun intended) and you can’t shake the anxiety that comes with it? Contrary to the voice within, this isn’t just in your head.
There is a deep connection between your gut health and anxiety levels, giving new depths to the phrase “gut feeling.”
Once you further understand this link, it can be a game-changer when it comes to relieving yourself of anxiety, allowing yourself to feel more grounded, clear-headed and, most of all, calm.
When our gut is imbalanced, it doesn’t just affect how we eat and digest. The effects can show up as mood swings, brain fog, stress sensitivity and fatigue, which we commonly blame on being so busy and having so much on our plates (work/life plates, not dinner plates).
Your gut is home to what is called the gut microbiome. Think of biodomes and other public nature/environment facilities and destinations that are home to full, vibrant ecosystems. Every plant and organism in the dome plays a part and has a significant effect on how the others live and function.
Your microbiome plays host to trillions of microorganisms that play a similar role in how your mental and physical health play out.
When it comes specifically to your mental health, these microbes are the ones producing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA. These neurotransmitters are like little messengers, escaping the gut dome to your brain, telling your mind how to regulate itself.
A fact that may or may not surprise you after reading about your microbiome is that most of your serotonin, aka the feel-good hormone, is made in your gut!
So if your gut isn’t happy and healthy, happy messages (via your neurotransmitters) can’t make it to your brain.
Inflammation: An unhealthy gut can lead to chronic inflammation, which has been linked to increased anxiety and depression.
Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Disrupted gut bacteria can reduce your production of serotonin and GABA, throwing your body’s mood regulation capabilities off balance as well.
Vagus Nerve Communication: The vagus nerve, a communication expressway between your gut and your brain, can be impacted by gut imbalances, leading to impacted neurotransmitter messaging and increased anxiety.
Leaky Gut: Damaged gut lining can allow toxins and food particles into your bloodstream. These trigger immune responses, leading to inflammation and anxiety.
To nourish your gut and increase the production of calming neurotransmitters, you don’t have to completely overhaul your diet or lifestyle.
Consider adding more whole foods, fermented foods and fiber to your diet while cutting back (slowly) on processed foods, sugars and caffeine whenever possible.
Of course, we wouldn’t be true to our roots without mentioning that a good cup of bone broth also has the power to support your gut and relieve anxiety.
Our broths are warm, nourishing and loaded with amino acids and minerals that can support your digestive health, in turn supporting your mental health.
Sometimes it can feel like our gut needs a deeper kind of reset, but we’re not talking about that trending cleanse or detox.
Our Shorba Reset Program simply consists of 4 or 7 days of meals that are designed to give your digestive system a fighting chance to rest, recalibrate and restore itself.
The difference between this and a cleanse, detox or strict diet is that you won’t feel hungry throughout. You’ll be enjoying nourishing broth, cozy khichdi, flavourful Ayurvedic spice blends and soothing CCF tea.
Learn more about the program here.
By prioritizing gut health, we can take a significant step towards managing our anxiety, even in what feels like our craziest, ever-changing environments, economies and timelines.
A nourished gut can lead to a naturally calmer mind, allowing us to navigate many of life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience.
We’re always here to help.
